What is the best Cable service providers?

Consumer Reports magazine: February 2010

How to piece together a great deal for TV, phone, and Internet service

Shopping for Internet, home phone, and TV service is increasingly a buyer's market. You already know that if, like a growing number of readers, you live where fiber-optic services Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse are challenging cable and satellite providers. Those companies, which received relatively high marks from readers in our new survey of telecom service, have wooed customers with such signing bonuses as $400 Visa gift cards and free netbooks and DVRs.

This market also offers potential savings even if fiber isn't yet available in your area or you can't get or don't want the triple-play bundles of service that providers push the most. Shopping shrewdly can be especially rewarding if you're prepared to switch services or to negotiate with your current carrier when your enticing introductory offer is about to expire.

We discovered big distinctions among providers in a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center of some 69, 000 reader experiences with telecom services. Highlights of that survey and of our additional reporting include the following:

  • Fiber-optic service is tops overall. Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse received top scores for Internet and TV service and were among the better phone providers, too.
  • Cable service is mostly middling. The major cable companies typically got average scores at best for Internet, phone, and TV service. However, a few small cable companies—notably Wow but also Insight and Bright House—got scores that rivaled those of the fiber companies.
  • Satellite TV had strong points. While DirecTV and Dish Network scored below fiber and the best cable services for TV service overall, they were on a par with those top providers for channel selection and picture and sound quality.
  • Internet phone comes on strong. The best Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which came from providers of all types, rivaled fiber in offering the best phone service.
  • Bundling has satisfied many. Overall, 85 percent of Consumer Reports readers who get all three services from one provider said they'd probably (50 percent) or definitely (35 percent) do it again with the same company.
  • It can pay to negotiate. Savings aren't assured, even if you bargain, but enough readers of the Electronics blog reported success in their efforts that we recommend calling carriers before signing up for or renewing service. We've even provided a script for would-be renewers to follow.
Netgear NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (R7000)
Personal Computer (Netgear)
  • AC1900 Wi-Fi: 600+1300 Mbps Speed
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  • Includes: Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router, Three (3) detachable antennas, Ethernet cable, Quick install guide, Power adapter
Motorola ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem - Retail Packaging - White
Personal Computer (Motorola)
  • Wired modem only, Requires CABLE Internet Service, if not sure your provider is CABLE call them to confirm. Note: does NOT include WIFI Router or VOIP Telephone...
  • Compatible with major U.S. Cable Providers like Comcast, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, etc (NOT compatible with Verizon FiOS or AT&T U-verse). Supports IPv4 and...
  • It harnesses the power of DOCSIS 3.0 technology to bond up to 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels - providing you advanced multimedia services with data...
  • Brown Box Models Not Valid for This Item When Sold As New, Should Report to Amazon Immediately and Return to Seller
  • 2 year warranty with US based customer service.
Motorola Motorola 16x4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420, 686 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0, Certified by Comcast XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, Cox, BrightHouse, and More
Personal Computer (Motorola)
  • New in 2016, this 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem provides speeds up to 686 Mbps, sixteen times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. A Full-Band Capture digital tuner ensures a faster...
  • Certified by Comcast XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, Cox, BrightHouse, and other leading cable service providers for modem ownership programs that save rental charges...
  • Setup is fast and easy with a few quick steps set out in a Quick Start guide. Experienced USA-based customer support specialists are there to help if you need them.
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  • The two year warranty is the longest in the cable modem industry. Ruggedized lightning and power surge circuits provide protection of your investment for many more...
Netgear Netgear N450 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (N450-100NAS)
Personal Computer (Netgear)
  • Two-in-One DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + WiFi Router delivers N450 WiFi and up to 340Mbps modem speed
  • ELIMINATE MONTHLY CABLE MODEM RENTAL FEES - Approximately $120/year savings
  • Certified to work with Cable Internet Providers like XFINITY from Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Cablevision, Bright House Networks, & More (Not Compatible...
  • 8x4 channel bonding enables up to 340 Mbps download speeds
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  • Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports for fast wired connections and two USB ports to wirelessly share your hard drive
Motorola ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem/ Wi-Fi N300/N300 Dual Band Router - Retail Packaging Black (570763-006-00)
CE (Motorola)
  • 3 products in 1: Modem, N300/N300 Dual band WiFi and 4 Port Gigabit Router
  • Requires Cable Internet Service. Approved on Comcast Xfinity, Charter, Time Warner, Brighthouse Networks, Cox, Mediacom and almost all Regional Cable Internet Providers...
  • Docsis 3.0 Modem with 8 DOWNLOAD and 4 UPLOAD Channels capable of 343 Mbps download and 131 Mbps.
  • N300 2.4Ghz + N300 5GHz WiFi Router and 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
  • BROWN BOX Models Not Valid for This Item When Sold As New, Should Report to Amazon Immediately and Return to Seller; 2 Year Limited Warranty with US Technical Support.
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